A truck from the early 2000s could still haul freight, pull hard, and get the job done. Many are still respected for that reason. The difference is that newer trucks were built around a different set of pressures. Fuel efficiency matters more, emissions systems are more advanced, safety technology is more common, and cab comfort carries more weight than it once did.

That is why modern trucks can feel familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

The Outside of the Truck Changed First

The most obvious difference is the shape of the truck. Older highway tractors often had flatter surfaces, fewer airflow features, and body lines that placed more emphasis on traditional styling. Modern trucks are usually shaped with fuel economy in mind.

That shift can be seen in the use of roof fairings, side extenders, smoother hoods, aerodynamic bumpers, and other airflow-focused components. These changes help reduce drag, which can support better fuel efficiency over time.

Drivers may disagree on which generation looks better, but aerodynamics have clearly influenced how modern trucks are built.

The Cab Became a Bigger Part of the Conversation

Truck cabs used to be judged heavily by how well they held up to long miles and hard use. That still matters, but comfort has become much more important.

Many newer trucks are quieter than older models. Seats often offer more adjustment. Sleeper areas are usually better organized. Storage is more practical. Climate control systems tend to be more refined.

For drivers who spend days or weeks on the road, those changes are not small. They affect sleep, organization, fatigue, and the overall feel of the workday.

Dashboards Became More Organized

Older trucks often spread information across several gauges, switches, and indicator lights.

Newer trucks usually present information in a more centralized way. Digital displays are more common, instrument panels are easier to read, and controls are often placed where drivers can reach them more naturally.

That does not mean every driver prefers the newer layout. Some still like the straightforward feel of older dashboards. But the design trend is clear. Modern truck interiors are built to organize more information in less space.

Safety Technology Became More Visible

Truck safety still depends on the driver. Training, judgment, mirror use, following distance, and speed management remain central to safe operation. The difference today is that many trucks include technology that can support the driver in certain situations.

Lane departure warnings, collision mitigation systems, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, and automatic emergency braking have become more common in newer equipment.

These systems are one of the clearest signs that truck design has moved beyond mechanical durability alone.

Engines Became More Complex

The biggest changes are not always the ones drivers see first. Engine and emissions systems have changed significantly over the last two decades. Diesel particulate filters, selective catalytic reduction systems, and diesel exhaust fluid technology became part of many modern trucks.

These systems changed maintenance routines and required drivers and technicians to learn new procedures.

At the same time, engine manufacturers continued working on performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency. The result is equipment that can feel familiar from the outside while operating very differently under the hood.

Transmissions Changed the Learning Curve

For many years, manual transmissions were a standard part of truck driving. That is no longer true in the same way.

Automated manual transmissions are now common in highway trucks. Many drivers appreciate them in traffic because they reduce physical effort during stop-and-go driving. Many fleets use them because they create more consistency across equipment.

Manual transmissions still have supporters and remain in service, but they are no longer as dominant in new trucks as they were twenty years ago.

Older And Newer Trucks Reflect Different Priorities

Comparing older trucks to newer trucks is not always about deciding which one is better.

Older trucks are often valued for simplicity, familiar controls, and classic styling. Newer trucks are often valued for comfort, efficiency, safety features, and easier access to information.

Both views make sense because the trucks were built for different eras of the industry.

A driver can prefer older equipment and still recognize the improvements found in modern trucks. A driver can prefer modern equipment and still understand why older trucks have such a loyal following.

Semi truck design has changed because the industry around the truck has changed. The job is still moving freight, but the equipment built for that job now reflects twenty years of new expectations.

FAQ

Why are modern semi-trucks more aerodynamic than older trucks?

Modern trucks are designed to reduce wind resistance and support better fuel efficiency. Features such as smoother hoods, fairings, and side extenders help manage airflow around the truck.

Are manual transmissions still used in semi-trucks?

Yes. Manual transmissions are still used in some operations, although automated manual transmissions are much more common in newer highway trucks.

Why do newer trucks use diesel exhaust fluid?

Diesel exhaust fluid is used as part of emissions control systems designed to reduce certain pollutants from diesel engines.

Do modern trucks have more safety technology than older trucks?

Yes. Many newer trucks include systems such as lane departure warnings, collision mitigation technology, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, and automatic emergency braking.

Why are sleeper cabs different from what they were twenty years ago?

Sleeper cabs have changed because driver comfort and organization receive more attention. Many newer sleepers offer improved storage, better layouts, and more practical use of space.

Are older semi-trucks less reliable than modern trucks?

Not necessarily. Reliability depends on maintenance, operating conditions, and overall vehicle condition. Many older trucks remain dependable when they are properly maintained.

Why do some drivers still prefer older trucks?

Some drivers prefer older trucks because of their styling, simplicity, familiar controls, and driving feel.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 16, 2026

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The survey is part of the TechCelerate program, a research initiative sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and supported by ATRI, the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council, and the OOIDA Foundation.

Researchers will use the latest responses to compare current feedback with information gathered during the original TechCelerate survey conducted in 2023.

Three Years After the Original Study

When the first TechCelerate survey was conducted in 2023, the goal was to better understand how trucking companies and drivers viewed onboard safety systems.

Since then, technology adoption has continued to evolve across the industry, creating an opportunity to revisit many of the same topics and see whether opinions and experiences have changed.

According to ATRI, the updated survey will help researchers compare findings from both studies while identifying areas where additional communication or issue resolution may be needed.

Drivers And Carriers Will Answer Different Questions

The project includes separate surveys for truck drivers and motor carriers. Drivers are being asked about their familiarity with onboard safety technology and their experiences using those systems during daily operations. The driver survey also asks participants which technologies they believe provide the greatest safety benefits and which provide the fewest benefits from a driver’s perspective.

Motor carriers will focus on a different set of issues, including technology preferences, adoption levels, driver acceptance, maintenance and repair concerns, and perceived safety benefits. The survey can be found here.

ATRI estimates that both surveys take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Researchers Hope to Track Industry Trends

One objective of the follow-up survey is to better understand how adoption levels and user perspectives have shifted since 2023. Comparing the two sets of responses may help researchers identify emerging trends, common concerns, and changes in how onboard safety systems are being viewed throughout the trucking industry.

The information collected will also support efforts to improve messaging surrounding onboard safety technology.

TechCelerate Continues Its Research Efforts

The TechCelerate program brings together industry organizations to study how technology is being adopted and experienced across trucking operations. The latest survey represents another step in that effort, providing updated feedback from both drivers and carriers as onboard safety systems become increasingly common throughout the industry.

Researchers say the information will help support future work focused on truck safety, operational efficiency, and technology adoption.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 10, 2026

Source: The Trucker

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Mack Protect combines radar, cameras, and smart detection algorithms designed by Mack to help drivers avoid accidents or reduce their impact. It now provides expanded safety coverage, including forward- and side-looking pedestrian recognition.

Alex Lee, senior product manager for vocational and medium-duty vehicles at Mack Trucks, explained how the system works for everyday driving. “The system includes a camera in the windshield, along with radar units in the front bumper and passenger side. It offers forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with an adjustable time gap, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, speed-limit sign identification with overspeed alerts, and right-side lane-change and blind-spot support with pedestrian and bicyclist detection.”

Lee also described how the alerts communicate with drivers. “If a pedestrian or vehicle is detected, a warning lamp flashes on the A-pillar. It glows orange as the truck gets closer and beeps and turns red if the vehicle gets too close. The radars are designed to cover a 102-inch width and track objects between 150 and 250 meters in ideal daylight highway conditions.”

With Mack Protect now available on medium-duty trucks, MD Series drivers gain the same advanced safety features that heavy-duty drivers rely on, helping reduce collisions and enhance confidence on the road.

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This model is not just a basic upgrade. Mack says the new Anthem improves on the original in nearly every way, offering better handling, fuel savings, and comfort designed for life on the road.

A Smarter, Stronger Anthem

“Making its first public appearance since its virtual reveal in June, the Anthem represents a bold evolution of a true industry icon, delivering enhanced maneuverability, improved forward visibility, and up to 10% better fuel efficiency for a competitive edge that pays off on every mile,” Mack said.

For truckers, that 10% improvement in fuel efficiency can mean real savings. The design focuses on better visibility and control, giving drivers more confidence when backing into docks, pulling through tight city spaces, or working long regional runs.

The new Anthem follows the release of the Mack Pioneer earlier this year, marking 2025 as one of the most active product years for the company.

Built for the Way Drivers Work

“The all-new Anthem represents a significant step forward for Mack and for the regional-haul segment,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “It carries the same name as its predecessor because it embodies the same values and attributes with measurable improvements, but is substantially better in all aspects. The all-new Anthem delivers improvements in every area that matters to customers’ businesses: fuel efficiency, maneuverability, driver comfort, safety, connectivity, and uptime. The Anthem truly is the ‘New Standard of Regional Haul.’”

Drivers will notice the difference as soon as they climb in. The cab is nine inches wider than before, offering more room to move and store personal gear. Heated and ventilated seats come standard, with a massage option for added comfort. The stand-up sleeper designs, available in 44-inch and 64-inch configurations, give drivers extra space for rest and storage on longer runs.

Safety That Has Your Back

Mack built safety into the new Anthem from the ground up with its Mack Protect package. This includes advanced driver assist features such as Blind Spot Radar and digital mirrors. The truck also comes equipped with Side Integrated Curtain Airbags to protect drivers in rollover situations.

“Safety remains front and center with Mack Protect, a standard suite of advanced driver-assist technologies, including optional Blind Spot Radar, digital mirrors, and Side Integrated Curtain Airbags (ICA) to protect drivers during rollover incidents,” Mack said.

These features give both company drivers and owner operators added security and awareness on the road.

What It Means for Drivers

The Anthem aims to raise the bar for regional haul work by combining performance, comfort, and reliability. Mack focused on aerodynamics, visibility, and cab design to make long hours more manageable while keeping fuel costs lower.

For drivers who want a dependable truck that delivers savings and safety without sacrificing comfort, the new Mack Anthem looks ready to meet those expectations.

Image Source: Mack

Other Source: The Trucker

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This shift marks a move away from the Bendix Fusion system previously used in Mack’s Class 8 lineup. Mack Protect was built in-house to meet the unique needs of Mack drivers and offers new layers of protection — both in terms of crash mitigation and helping prevent incidents before they happen.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all setup, Mack Protect comes in three versions so fleets and drivers can choose what fits best for their needs:

• Mack Protect (Standard) includes core forward-facing tools: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts, traffic stop-and-go support, frontal airbags, forward pedestrian detection, and road sign recognition.
• Mack Protect Pro adds more side protection, including side curtain airbags, lane change alerts, blind spot monitoring on both sides, and pedestrian detection along the sides of the truck.
• Mack Protect Premier takes it a step further with active steering and lane-keeping assist layered on top of the Pro package.

On top of all this, Mack says the system brings in some brand-new technologies never before offered on their trucks. That includes:

• Driver Awareness Support with a heads-up display
• Radar systems for both the driver and passenger sides
• Automatic warnings for forward and side pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assistance through active steering

Scott Sokach, senior safety product manager at Mack Trucks, explained that the new system was built with everyday driving challenges in mind.

“The driver awareness features we’ve developed respond directly to the challenges professional drivers face every day,” Sokach said. “Our system is designed not just to respond to emergencies, but to help prevent them from occurring in the first place by extending the driver’s awareness of their surroundings.”

With safety demands evolving quickly in the trucking world — especially on long highway hauls — Mack is clearly putting a stronger focus on helping drivers feel more in control behind the wheel. And with the new Pioneer leading the way, the company seems committed to keeping both drivers and those around them safer mile after mile.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Scheduled for July 13-19, this week-long observance is packed with educational campaigns, outreach, and enforcement efforts spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It highlights the shared responsibility of drivers, fleet operators, and equipment manufacturers to foster safety and save lives.

Prioritizing the Human Element in Road Safety

Advancements in vehicle technology have transformed the transportation industry. However, as Nicole Oreskovic, vice president of sales and marketing at Bendix, emphasizes, some things remain unchanged.

“Having a well-trained, attentive driver in control of the vehicle is the most important factor in commercial vehicle safety,” Oreskovic states. She adds, “That’s why Bendix develops the technologies and educational tools that help drivers perform at their best – while reinforcing the fact that nothing replaces the responsibility and judgment of the person behind the wheel.”

This perspective reinforces Operation Safe Driver Week’s mission to inspire safe driving habits and raise awareness about behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and improper seat belt usage.

The Urgency of Safer Roads

The statistics paint a sobering reality. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in around 536,424 police-reported crashes in the U.S. during 2022. These incidents caused approximately 160,608 injuries and claimed 5,936 lives. These numbers drive home the critical importance of cultivating safer habits and leveraging technology to reduce risks.

“Driving a commercial vehicle today means navigating some unpredictable roads, shifting traffic conditions, and constant distractions,” says TJ Thomas, Bendix’s director of marketing and customer solutions.

While advanced safety systems can make a meaningful difference during critical moments, Thomas clarifies they are not a replacement for the human driver. As he explains, “Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices. No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.”

Empowering Drivers Through Knowledge and Tools

Sophisticated safety systems such as Bendix Fusion and Bendix ESP (Electronic Stability Program) integrate advanced sensors and automated responses to reduce accident risks. However, for these tools to be effective, drivers need to fully understand their capabilities and limitations.

“That’s why Bendix places so much emphasis on education and awareness,” the company notes. Through resources like the “Truck Talk with Bendix” podcast and its popular YouTube channel, Bendix ensures drivers have access to in-depth training materials. These channels include the exclusive “Driver Insight Series,” which deepens understanding of technologies, offering tips on how to use them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Thomas encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s operator’s manual. “Technologies like Fusion are tools to help drivers improve safety,” he states. “Drivers should always review the operator’s manual to understand what features are included, how they work, and their limitations. That understanding is essential to help build driver confidence as they better understand how ADAS complements safe driving practices.”

Additionally, Bendix supports fleet training programs with extensive resources, supplemental materials, and expert guidance. Their goal is to empower drivers with the skills and knowledge required to work in tandem with emerging technologies safely.

Supporting Vehicle Safety With Technician Training

Of course, ensuring vehicle safety isn’t solely about the driver’s behavior—it also involves maintaining commercial vehicles to the highest standards. Bendix offers robust technical support and training to help fleet maintenance teams stay ahead of evolving systems.

“With over two decades of expertise, Bendix Brake School remains one of the industry’s top hands-on training programs,” says Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “Whether through in-person classes, virtual modules, or interactive resources, we strive to educate technicians and assist fleets of all sizes.”

Accessible Resources for Maintenance Teams

Bendix’s efforts extend beyond the classroom, offering an expansive online platform for 24/7 learning. The Bendix On-Line Brake School now boasts over 200,000 registered users and includes more than 100 courses covering maintenance and safety system troubleshooting.

Additional resources are readily available through their centralized hub, B2Bendix.com. Here, technicians can access service manuals, installation guides, and custom training designed for fleet-specific needs. For on-demand technical clarification, the Bendix Tech Team hotline – 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) – ensures professionals always have access to expert advice.

“Our goal has always been clear,” shares Screeton. “Providing safe vehicles starts with knowledgeable people. Whether it’s a two-truck fleet or a national operation, we’re here with technical insight and support that helps keep drivers – and everyone else on the road – safer.”

Working Toward Safer Roads, Together

Through its support of Operation Safe Driver Week and ongoing commitment to educational outreach, Bendix exemplifies the teamwork needed to make roadways safer. By combining advanced technology, comprehensive driver training, and robust vehicle maintenance programs, Bendix contributes to a shared vision of reduced roadway risks.

This week, as enforcement efforts across North America remind us of the stakes, there’s no better time to commit to safer driving habits, develop driver skills, and ensure our vehicles are in optimal condition. Together, we can make every road a safer one.

Image Source: Bendix
Source: The Trucker

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Source: Kenworth

What’s New in the ADAS Packages?

All three packages are built on the foundation of the updated Bendix Fusion system. This advanced platform includes several cutting-edge technologies aimed at improving safety and ease of driving. Key features available with the base ADAS package include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Auto Go

• Pedestrian Autonomous Emergency Braking (PAEB)

• High Beam Assist

These systems rely on a new forward-facing camera that enhances performance, backed by additional capabilities already available in Bendix Fusion. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Multi-Lane AEB, Highway Departure Braking (HDB), Stationary Vehicle Braking (SVB), Lane Departure Warning, and Bendix Blindspotter Side Object Detection technology.

Another included feature is Tire Pressure Monitoring, which keeps drivers informed about tire health in real-time, helping prevent potential tire-related incidents on the road.

Upgraded Features with ADAS Pro and Premier

For those seeking more advanced functionality, the ADAS Pro and Premier packages expand on the base offering with added driver-assist technologies:

• Lane Keeping Assist: Gently ensures the truck and trailer stay within their lane, providing extra peace of mind during long drives.

• Torque Assisted Steering: Reduces the effort needed to control the steering wheel, enhancing driver comfort and making turns easier.

What Sets ADAS Premier Apart

The top-tier ADAS Premier package includes everything from the Pro tier and introduces Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors. These high-tech mirrors replace traditional side mirrors with advanced digital displays, which provide a clearer and broader field of view, improving visibility and situational awareness for drivers.

A Commitment to Safer, Smarter Driving

Kenworth is positioning these new ADAS packages as tools to address key industry challenges like driver fatigue and highway safety. Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing, emphasized the importance of these advancements:

“Driver assistance systems contribute in helping to reduce driver fatigue and enhancing the ease of operating commercial trucks,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “These new ADAS offerings will give our T680 customers more options to select features that support safe driving practices and also enhance the overall driving experience.”

Source: Overdrive

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